NEW DELHI: Union Textiles MinisterSmriti Irani today emphasised on the urgent need for branding Indian silk both at home and abroad so that its products find more overseas buyers and yield better value realisation.

The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the 5th India International Silk Fair being held here on October 15-17. The Indian Silk Export Promotion Council expects a business of over USD 50 million from the three-day exhibition, an official statement said.

The minister saw the future of Indian silk industry as "very bright".

Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, Central Silk Board Chairman K M Hanumantharayappa and Indian Silk Export Promotion Council Chairman T V Maruthi were also present on the occasion.

Nearly 110 exhibitors from different parts of the country have displayed a wide range of products of silk, silk-blended items such as garments, accessories, made-ups, carpets, sarees and interior decoratives of silk and silk-blend fibres.